Loose-leaf binder.



J. L. MQMILLAN. LOOSE LEAF BINDER.

APPLICATION FILED 13110.4,1907.

Patented Aug. 10, 1909.

anoasvl. a. Gama cu, murmumcnmmzns, WASHINGYDN. n. c.

JOHN L. MCMILLAN, OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.

LOOSE-LEAF BINDER.

Application filed December 4, 1807.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 10, lSOQ.

Serial No. 405,082.

To all whom it may cones/r Be it known that 1, Sons L. MolrIILLAN, scitizen of the United States, residing at Syrw cusc, in the county ofmiondsga and State oi New Yorlr, have invented certain new and usefulImprovemcnin Loose-Lest Binders, of whicl the fol o .ig is sspecification.

This nveution pertains to loose leoi binders, and is designed moreparticularly for the temp e-11x1? binding of invoices, let tors, bills,and the like, though a iplicoble for the bincrg of loose sheets oi slll-linds.

he .vention consists prinmrily iu the employment cl covcr-oozirds havingclumping or gripping devices, and flexible impcling posts or membersdesigned to connect the cover-boards, sud to pass through and hold l theinterposed loose loaves or papers.

in place c The flexible impolnig membrs are clamped firmly at one end toone ol the cover-boards, the conn ction therewith being arelativelypermanent one designed to be disturbed only in case it becomes necessaryto supply a new impsling member, while the clumps of the other coveibosrd .lesigiicd to grip and to release tyre impolmg members often isnecessarytoiuscrtoi emor cots or paper lu mercantile hous businessolliccs, and thcrestc lislunentsl sving large numbers of loose le v*oices, records, and the lilac, often ui arm size and character, it isvery desirable to provide a temporary binder to hold and retain inconvenient shape, and in pr order or sequence, such sheets or pspeis. Inmany instances the use otthe binder ou temporary, while in others it isdesirable it it be permanent. Ewing o the conside his number used, andto the widely vsr x. number oi papers which it is desirable u diil'ercntcircumstances to place u ithii. s 7 c binder, :is, for lusts-11c incouuect'on with different cl; s of goods, or ditlcrcnt depsrtmon c abusiness, at wide rouge of capacity and relative chcspuess ofconstruction are important considerations. The present invention hasthose objects primarily in view.

it convenient type of temporary binder is that in which one of the twocover-bosrds is provided with posts or stems upon which the loose sheetsare threaded or impaled, being first perforated at points correspondingwith the location of the posts or stems of the binder. [is hithertoconstructed, however, such binders have been open to the objection thatthe posts are rigid, and until the binder is com letely filled, protrudebeyond the removsb e cover-board, and being rigid, are more or less inthe way, and are liable to deface desks or other furniture upon whichthe binder is used or placed. idsnv of such post binders have ratchetdevices which permit the adjustment of the removable cover-board only bycertain set distances or increments, thus at times leaving the boundsheets in a. relatively loose condition, and at other times bin dingthem quite firmly, where as it is, of course, desirable that the papersbe always held in compact form without undue strain or pressure upon thefastening dcvices. i attain these objects by the employment of flexibleimpaling members, which, though normally protruding beyond the removablecover-board, yield readily, and lie flat against the cover-board whenthe binder is laid upon a desk or other surface, and which, when thebinder is completely filled, may be cut oil flush with the surface ofthe cover-board so that the binder presents substantially the appearanceoi an ordinary binder.

The inventionu'ill be readily understood upon referring to theaccompanying drowings, in which:

Figure 1. is a. perspective view ol the index *ith portions broken awaybetter to show the construction and arrangement of the parts; Fig. 2, across section through the binding boards and one pair of clampingdevices; Fig. 3, a face view ol one oi the outer clamps of the removablecover-board; Fig. l, a perspective view of said clump with the partsseparated Fig. a similar vicw ol one of the second or inner clamps; andFig. 6, o longitudinal sectional view through the some.

In these drawings A and it im icntc the covci bosrds catch having aflexible portion or hinge o extending from end to end a short distanceinward from its rear edge. The narrow strip or clamping portion t oleach cover-boa d, extending from the hinge (t to the rear edge of eachcovcr-bosrd, consists of,

or contains, a fiat tubular shell or casing C, designed at once to prduce a strong chimping member and to serve as a container for clamps Dand E, which are conveniently stamped out of sheet metal, and are of theform best shown in the perspective views, Figs. 4 and 5.

The particular construction of the hinges (1 or the manner of unitingthe shells or casings C with the cover-boards A B is unimportant. Aconvenient construction is that shown in the drawings, and best seen inFigs. 1 and 2, where the cloth, leather, or other flexible material withwhich the cover-boards are faced, is carried about and cemented to theshells or casings, and about the cover-boards themselves, a crease orindentation being made between the shell or casing and the cover-board,as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, to facilitate the hinging a tion.

The shells or casings C are conveniently formed of sheet meial cut andbent to the shape best indicated in Figs. 4 and 5, suitable portionsbeing cut or removed from the metal prior to bending into tubular formto produce the openings indicated in the drawings.

Referring first to the shell or casing C of the cover-board A, it isprovided, as seen in Fig. 5, in its inner face or fold, with anelongated opening a, a smaller and preferably circular opening (Z, andwith two inturned tongues e and which serve to limit the longitudinalplay or movement of the clampplate D which is introduced into the shellor casing prior to the latter being finally closed or folded into shape.A second opening (1 is advisably made in the outer face of the shell orcasing C in line with the opening d in the inner face, as seen in Fig.2.

The clamp-plate D consists of a flat plate preferably of sheet metalhaving one end bent over to form a flange or lip g, and having at theopposite end a tapering or V-shaped slot or opening 7L. Near the endbearing the lip or flange g is an opening i, designed to receive a stemor implement by which to move the clamp longitudinally within its shellor casing.

The clamp-plate D is located within the shell 0 beneath the opening 0,and between the inturned spurs e and f, which serve to limit itslongitudinal movement within the shell, as will be readily understoodupon referring to Figs. 1 and 6. The tapering slot or opening h is inline with the holes or openings (Z of the shell or casing C, which aredesigned to receive the inserted end of a flexible binding post F, whichis conveniently made of leather, though other materials as rubber,braided cord, or the like, may be employed.

Preparatory to inserting the binding post or member F in the openings d,the clamping slide E is retracted so that its flanged end approaches, orbears against, the stop-spur 6, thereby bringing the wide end of theslot h opposite, or a short distance from, said openings d. The bindingpost of member F being passed through the holes (1, the clamping slide Eis moved longitudinally, thereby causing the walls or edges of the slot7t to pass on opposite sides of the stem, and by reason of the taperingform of the slot, to gradually wedge upon or grip the post or member F,as indicated in Fig. 2.

It will be observed upon referring to Figs 1 and 5 that one wall of theslot h is parallel with the edges of the slide or clamp E, While theother wall or edge of the slot is at an angle thereto. The purpose ofthis construction is to cause the post or binding member F to be notonly wedged within the slot, but also to be crowded by the inclined edgeof the slot against one wall or edge of each of the holes or openings(i, so that the post or impaling member shall be clamped within theplate, and between the plate and the edges of the openings d in theshell or casing. This gives a very firm hold to the impaling post ormember F, and insures its retention even under rough usage or handlingof the binder.

It is not essential that the clamping plate be provided with the lip orflange g, but is deemed expedient to thus form it, since the flangeimparts greater stiflness to the plate, and also renders unnecessary thetoo close folding or flattening of the shell or casing C, which mighttend to destroy the integrity of the metal in the folds, and likewisetend to the more ready bending or buckling of the shell or casing C.

The clamps E of the cover-board B are substantially the same as those ofthe coverboard A; that is to say, they are formed of thin plates,preferably of sheet metal, having a flange or lip g and tapering slot h,but the flange g is provided with a raised central portion g, and theopening '11 is omitted.

The shell or casing C of the cover-board B is similar to the shell 0 ofcover-board A, but its elongated opening 0 is made in the outer insteadof the inner face, and instead of the holes or perforations cZ, taperingnotches or openings 7' extend inward from the rear edge of the shell orcasing, as shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4 thus permitting the cover-board Bto be applied laterally, or edgewise, to the impaling posts or members Finstead of being strung upon or passed over the ends of said members.This greatly facilitates applica tion and removal of the cover-board.

The posts or impaling members F having been duly secured to thecover-board A in the manner described, the sheets or leaves to be boundare perforated in the usual way, the perforations being spaced tocorrespond to the spacing of the im aling members, and. said sheets orleaves are then threaded upon, or passed over, the ends of the impalingmembers, and pressed down upon the cover-board A. The cover-board B isthen applied laterally, or edgewise, as above pointed out, the impalingposts or members entering the notches and being pressed firmly to thebottoms or ends thereof, as in 1 Figs. 1 and 3. This done theclamps orplates E are moved longitudinally by pres sure applied to the upturnedlips g thereof, either by hand or by a suitable im lement, therebycausing the plates E to W6C ge upon leaves, the clamping r mover.baclrwL rd, thereby unclamping the impaling; posts or members, andpermitting the ready removal of the cover-boariil l3, and the insertionor removal of sheets or leaves as required. Should it happen at any timethat the number of leaves increase to such an extent that the impalingposts or memoers are of inadequate length to receive them, or should animpalingpost or memb r become broken or weakened, a new one serted uponfirst retracting the slide D E of such member, and passing: a newthrough the openings (.Z of the shell or casino, C, thereafter restoringthe c amp D to i gripping position, and 'linally a i i clamp E to bindthe boards together. l ncn m ay be inthe the binder is completelylilled, tic leave." may be removeo and. put in my holder or re eptaole,r if t be desire/l t und form, the pr posts or me;

tain them in he ends of the bin th outer l and the bond in any usr ml orcei'ivenient m:

i i may be out of tlusn iv;

'l'he flexible impalmg po ts or members not only a old inyury tofurniture and inconvenience to the user, but they give a (lesirableflexi y to the binder as a Whole,

facilitating the turning of the leaves and inspection the pages. andsince clamps are free to the impaliu or members at any point in thelength latter, it will be seen th Qt the liaoards always be made topress closely upon the leaves or sheets G Whether their number be largeor small.

ine upturned flange or lip g of A or slide l1 serves not onlv as a meansbv its movements by coming into contact 'vith the ends, or endshoulders, of the opeiing' r.

The impaling; members F are here referred to posts for the reason thatthis term is in common use as desig I l stem or self-sustaining memberof this general ch are. ter over or upon which perforated leaves arethreaded, and because, though flexible, the impaling members heredescribed are, when of moderate or even considerable long h,

' and will stand wiile the self-sustainu leaves are being threaded orstrung upon them. This degree of stability, or capacity of standingupright, i desirable, and the leather cord or belting describedpossesses this property in a SHffiClBIli degree.

It is apparent from the nature of materials stated,leather, rubber, orthe lil e,that the impaling posts or members are slightly compressible,thus permitting the clamping devices to embed themselves sutliciently inthe material of the posts to secure a firm hold and guard againstslipping, yet without danger of cutting: or wea seeing the iinpalingmembers.

i am aware that cords, both of spun fiber and of leather, covered spiralsprings, Wires, and the like, have been used as impaling members fortemporary and loose leaf binders. ll am also aware that clamping orgripping devices have been provided to secure a cover-board to or uponimpaling members ofdi'lferent kinds. It will be observed, hoivevr, thatWhile flexible and measurably soft, the impaling members or posts oi mylevico.-preforably made of r leather belting, have sullicient to standalone. and hence the leaves oits may be .asily and speedily threadedthereon, singly or in groui is. Leather, rubber, braided cord sash cordor the like) all possess adequate stability for the purpose, yet- 11'8sutlicieiitly compressible to "permit the wedgiug Wal s of the clampingsiioe to embed themselves rein Withoit destroying; the integrity of tiematerie in tact, uriless trio edges or? the clamping slide be quitedeeply embedded iii the sides of the impaling; member or post and somaintained for a long time, the indentations produ ed will graduallydisappear an d the impalir-g member re- These are desirable sume itsoriginal form. charaet ristics of the device, and contribute materiallyto the convenien e and efficiency thereof.

it is particularly to be noted that although he notches 7', by which theeogewise a leoi n and removal of the cover-board is enderer possible,are entirely uilobstrncted when the clamping slides retracted, one armir iavr of each slide completely bridges one. ei'lectually elo. cs itsopening when the slide is moved to clamping position, hence it isimpossible for the cover to slip laterally when the slide is evenpartially mover; in the clamping direction. it is also particularly tobe obsered that each impaling morn r or post of my structure is held byindividual clamping device, and that such device requires no bending,netting or t; mg togethr of said members or posts, nor any abruptbending or reeving through slots, the clamp merely pinching or com)ressing' the post between t Walls or edges of the clamp or clamp andplate. Hence it is possible instark Lily to detach, remove and replacethe individual impaling members or posts, and to avoid any project-ion,loop, knot, or the like protruding beyond the outer face of thecover-board at the normally attached end of the post.

The device is simple and cheap in construction, and very efficient inuse. The materials employed are variable at will within the range ofknown materials usual or suitable to such purposes. In practice I havefound it convenient to make the shells C C and the clamp-plates D E ofsheet iron, and the impaling posts are preferably formed of roundleather belting, which being a commercial article readily obtainable inmost places, and of convenient form and size, is found peculiarlyadapted to the purpose.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A binder comprising two cover-boards; impaling posts or members eachhaving one end seated in an opening in one of said coverboards; clampscarried by said cover-board and adapted to secure the inserted ends ofthe binding posts or members therein, but to permit their readydisengagement therefrom; and clamping or gripping devices carried by theother of said cover-boards and adapted to grip or bind the impalingmembers at any desired point in their length, said impaling membersbeing of material which is flexible and compressible, but of sulficientstability to maintain an upright position during the threading orimpaling of sheets or leaves thereon.

2. In a hinder, the combination of two cover-boards; impaling memberssecured to one of said boards and formed of leather; and clampingdevices carried by the other of said boards, and movable relativelythereto and to the impaling members, whereby they are adapted to embedthemselves in and engage the impaling members at any point in the lengthof the latter, or to release the same, as desired.

3. In a loose leaf binder, the combination of a cover-board; flexibleand compressible impaling posts having their ends seated in one of saidcover-boards; clamping or gripping devices carried by said cover-boardand servin to secure one end of each impaling member in saidcover-board, and to retain the same firmly in place until it becomesnecessary to substitute another impaling member; a second cover-boardprovided with openings to receive the impaling members; and clampscarried by said second coverboard, and adapted to grip or bind theimpaling members, substantially as set forth.

4. In combination with a cover-board A provided with a shell or casing 0having holes or sockets d; clamping slides mounted in said shell orcasing, and having each a tapering opening h; impaling members F adaptedto enter the sockets d and to be secured therein by the clamps D asecond cover-board B provided with a shell or casing C having notches j;and clamping plates E mounted in said shell or casing, and having each atapering opening it, said clamping lates serving to grip and compressthe impa ing members F and thereby to secure the second coverboard B atany desired adjustment upon the impaling members.

5. In combination with a cover-board having a shell or casing C,provided with openings d; impaling members F seated in said sockets; andclamping slides D having tapering slots or openings h, and mountedwithin the shell or casing, one wall of the slot it being parallel with,and the other at an angle to, the length of the shell or casing.

6. In a loose leaf binder, the combination with a cover-board havingimpaling members, of a second cover-board B provided with a shell orcasing C having seats or notches j opening to the outer edge of thecover-board to receive, laterally, the impaling members; and clampingslides E having two jaws and the intermediate opening h, whereby theslides are adapted to straddle and clamp the impaling members within theopen seats or notches j, and to completely bridge and close the openends of said seats or notches.

'7. In a binder, the combination of coverboards each provided with atubular shell or casing having openings from face to face for thepassage through them of impaling members; compressible impaling members,each having one end seated in the recesses of one cover-board; andsliding clamping plates mounted in the tubular shells or casings, andadapted to grip or bind the impaling members therein at any desiredpoints in the length of said impaling members.

8. In a hinder, the combination of a coverboard provided with a tubularshell or casing In testimony whereof I have signed my name to thisspecification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN L. MoMILLAN.

Witnesses:

E. MORAN, L. M. DE CLEno

